The Seto-Ohashi Bridge, which connects Honshu and Shikoku, celebrated its 35th anniversary of opening in 2023.
The Kojima area in Kurashiki City is a spot where you can enjoy the view of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, one of the longest combined railway and road bridges in the world, along with the springtime symbol, "sakura" (cherry blossoms).
From late March to early April each year, I took a camera to stroll around the Ojigadake Rest House and Shimotsui Castle Ruins, which are at their best for viewing sakura, and I will report on the situation as of April 9, 2024.
Ojigadake Rest House
There are about 1,000 cherry trees planted on Ojigadake.
The Ojigadake Rest House is a facility of Kurashiki City located near the summit of the mountain, consisting of a basement level, a ground floor, and a rooftop.
During the interview, I enjoyed viewing the cherry blossoms from the ground floor and the rooftop.
The first floor "⑤Deli Ojigadake"
On the ground floor, there is a café called ⑤Deli Ojigadake.
Upon entering the shop, I was greeted by a view of cherry blossoms stretching across the entire window.
While waiting for my café menu to arrive, I stepped out onto the balcony and immediately spotted the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
It had been raining since the day before, and there was still light rain when I arrived at ⑤Deli Ojigadake, but the calmness of the Seto Inland Sea was gentle that day as well. Just looking at it calms my heart.
As of April 9, 2024, I could still see some buds here and there, so it seems we can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a few more days.
While I was engrossed in taking photos, the fruit sandwich (mixed) I ordered arrived.
The contents of the fruit sandwich vary depending on the supply situation, and on this day, it contained four types: "strawberry, Setoka mandarin, apple, and kiwi."
Since there are two types of fruit in the same sandwich, it was a fruit sandwich that allowed me to enjoy the variation of flavors little by little.
The rooftop
While I was eating the fruit sandwich, the rain stopped.
As I climbed the outside stairs, a wide sky, the calm Seto Inland Sea, and cherry blossoms lined up like a picture.
The hazy islands of the Seto Inland Sea are also very beautiful.
Shimotsui Castle Ruins
After leaving the Ojigadake Rest House, I drove for about 30 minutes to Shimotsui in Kojima City.
The Shimotsui Castle Ruins are the remains of a castle standing 89 meters high behind Shimotsui Port.
Here, there are nearly 300 cherry trees planted, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura.
To capture both the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and the cherry blossoms in a photo, I recommend the area near the Ninomaru ruins.
As of April 9, 2024, the largest cherry tree blooming towards the Seto-Ohashi Bridge still had some buds remaining.
I also discovered a lovely Yabutsubaki (camellia).
The mountain path is well-maintained, but there are also stairs with large steps, so I recommend going in comfortable clothing.
Conclusion
On April 9, 2024, while there were some cherry trees at Ojigadake and the ruins of Shimotsui Castle that had already bloomed, there were also buds visible in some places.
The cherry blossoms in Kurashiki, which usually reach their peak from late March to early April, have bloomed slowly this year.
The Seto-Ohashi Bridge celebrated its 35th anniversary last year (2023), while the Seto Inland Sea National Park will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year (2024).
How about enjoying spring while viewing the cherry blossoms along with the grand Seto-Ohashi Bridge and the calm Seto Inland Sea?
Data on Ojigadake Rest House and Shimotsui Castle Ruins
| Name | Ojigadake Rest House and Shimotsui Castle Ruins |
|---|---|
| Address | Kurashiki City, Kojima |
